If the PMO Director has direct reports, he/she would need to be aware of some basic employment regulations. For example, in Ontario, we have regulations governing how many hours someone can work without a break - while HR are the SMEs for these regulations, people managers are expected to be aware of them.
In the absence of a PMO, PM's have to absorb the responsibility of the project. But when there is a PMO in place, depending on how it is setup, and the type (ie. directive), the PM has a buffer to pass the buck to the PMO (and its leader) for failed or not so successful projects. Depending on the industry, sector, and the employment contracts you sign, this could range from benign to a legal hot potato for the PMO Director. Saving Changes...
Stéphane ParentSelf Employed / Semi-retired| Leader MakerPrince Edward Island, Canada
If she works for the federal government, she probably wants to start with the Program Management Improvement and Accountability Act.
Any manager worth their salt should be at least aware of legislation that affects their domain of responsibilities. Just like every employee should be aware of legislation that affects the workforce: health and safety, anti-discrimination, ... Saving Changes...
Eric SimmsSenior Program ManagerBaltimore, Maryland, United States
Good points, everyone - and you've reminded me about the legalities surrounding contracts, too. I suppose the major legal categories that would concern a PMO are:
Human Resources
Industry-Specific Laws
Contracts
Can you think of other categories? Saving Changes...
you should be ware of work place legal environments which include but not limited to local, state and Federal regulation as well as organization polices and producers in particular risk Saving Changes...
Anonymous
it depends on the mandate of the PMO, the nature of the business, etc. and who would be responsible for what -- the legal department has to clarify things
Other than what is mentioned, conflict of interest, ethics, confidentiality of information, etc. are things to consider whether covered by law or ethical practices Saving Changes...
The PMO in large organisation (possibly, international) need to be aware of local regulation, also local practice.
For example in occidental country you might consider lower work load around Christmas and in Muslim region the impact of Ramadan on productivity.
Can have real impact on how you manage the PMO. Saving Changes...
